Applying Innovation System Concept in Agricultural Research for Development: A learning module[1]

Preface

"Sustained agricultural growth requires, among others, increased availability of technologies, farm
inputs and services on the one hand, and sustained demand for the agricultural outputs on the other.
This demands that contemporary thinking of agricultural development look beyond production into the
chain of activities and interventions required up to consumption. This calls for the involvement of all
relevant actors, individuals and organizations, in the process. In turn this requires a different framework
and institutional arrangement to conduct research for development. To be effective, the emerging
concepts such as Innovation Systems Perspective (ISP), value chain analysis, Integrated Agricultural
Research for Development (AR4D) and impact orientation need to be integrated into the agricultural
research process. The R&D system should think in terms of contributing to innovation.
The Improving Productivity & Market Success of Ethiopian Farmers (IPMS) project is fully cognizant of
this reality and is exploring options for transformation of the subsistence Ethiopian agriculture. In line
with this, the project is attempting to employ the innovation system framework as a possible option to
realize this espoused goal.

In this context, it becomes necessary to create the capacity to apply the innovation system perspective
in agricultural research for development. This learning module on Applying innovation system concept
in agricultural research for development has been prepared to serve as a tool in achieving the objective
of strengthening the capacity of project staff and other researchers and actors who are believed to have
a key role to play in ushering in market-led agricultural transformation. This includes national, regional,
international and private sector agricultural researchers, university lecturers, and others engaged in biophysical
as well as social science research.

This module is expected to have multiple uses. One, a source material for trainings that could be
organized at different levels, and two, as reference document to upgrade the knowledge of staff of
partner organizations about innovation systems approach and applications. The design of the learning
module includes guidance notes for potential trainers including learning purpose and objectives for
each session; description of the session structure (including methods, techniques, time allocation
to each activity); power point presentations, presentation text, exercise handouts, worksheets, and
additional reading material. There are also evaluation forms and recommended bibliography for use
by future facilitators.

The module has been prepared in the style of a source book and it assumes that the reader is familiar
with the concepts, procedures and tools used in participatory research approaches. Users can pick and
choose the sessions/idea/tools/concepts that are most relevant and appropriate in specific contexts and
for specific purposes. This is work in progress. The module is being continually refined and updated,
based on application of the concept and tools in the project and elsewhere and, lessons learned in
the process. Case studies will be prepared to supplement this module. Therefore, IPMS would like to
encourage users of this learning module to actively provide feedback, including suggestions on how it
can be improved."